How often should you have a physical exam?

In the olden days when I was growing up, doctors recommended an annual physical exam. No longer.

According to WebMD:

"The annual physical exam is beloved by many people and their doctors. But studies show that the actual exam isn't very helpful in discovering problems and may lead to unnecessary tests. Leading doctors and medical groups have called the annual physical exam "not necessary" in generally healthy people."

Instead the time interval between physicals should depend on your age and your health status. If you are healthy, you should have physicals every 5 years in your 20s, every 1-5 years from 30 to 65, and then every year for 65 and older.

In a traditional physical the doctor examines medical history, vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, temperature), general appearance, and she performs a heart exam, lung exam, head and neck exam, abdominal exam, neurological exam, dermatological exam, and extremities exam.

More recently, the focus has been more on ensuring that patients are undertaking appropriate screening and prevention measures. For example, a doctor would recommend the following screening:

1. Colonoscopy at age 50
2. Annual mammograms at age 40 (women)
3. Annual pap smears (women)
4. Cholesterol checked every 5 years
5. Blood pressure check every year for 40 and up
6. Flu vaccine every year after 50

In addition, the doctor would want to encourage healthy lifestyle choices such as the following:

1. No smoking
2. 30 minutes of exercise each day
3. A healthy diet
4. Monthly breast self-exam for women
5. Monthly testicular self-exam for men

In summary, annual physical exams are not necessary when you are young and healthy, but you should always engage in appropriate screening and prevention measures. Any red flags should be brought to the attention of your doctor immediately. When you are older (65 and up) then you should see your doctor every year.

Figure 1. The ritual of a yearly physical for younger and healthier patients is not considered necessary, but stay vigilant about your health.